Summary: Conflict: We avoid it or ignore it. We try to smooth it over without really addressing the issue. We also try the “win-lose confrontation” approach where power is used at the expense of the other person’s feelings. Yet, we are still unable to successfully resolve conflict. As part of any dynamic business organization, conflict arises because people care and want to do their job well. Conflict is beneficial when the focus is on finding the best solution. It becomes destructive when the focus is on people and “winning”.

This workshop will introduce the elements that exist during conflict, help us identify the cues that trigger emotional reactions so we can better manage them, and build on communication strategies. Managers will be able to more effectively work through conflict, resulting in stronger working relationships and encouraging creative solutions.

We will address the five conflict styles, how to identify them, and how to apply them to successfully address conflict. Each participant will take a personal conflict survey to identify his/her own natural conflict style.

Biography: Anita Buchanan is the HR Director for Flinthills Services and is the owner of Buchanan Human Resources Consulting. Anita is a passionate believer in helping companies with right-fit hiring processes, and provides effective tools for companies to use for blue-ribbon management development practices. In addition, she specializes in helping small businesses with human resource practices. Anita has more than 30 years of professional experience in communications and human resources. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communications and a Master’s in Business Administration from Baker University. She has obtained the Senior Professional Human Resources (SPHR) certification through the Human Resources Certification Institute.